Saunas are a highly sought-after amenity for gym-goers, recognized for their post-workout recovery benefits, including muscle relaxation and improved circulation. Availability is not standard across all fitness centers and varies significantly based on the gym chain and individual location. Understanding which major national chains typically offer this amenity is the first step in finding a suitable fitness club.
Major National Gym Chains That Offer Saunas
Gyms positioned as comprehensive health clubs or luxury fitness centers are the most reliable sources for finding a sauna. Life Time is one of the most consistent national chains, with virtually all locations including high-end amenities like dry saunas and steam rooms. LA Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness represent the next tier, where saunas are common but not guaranteed at every single branch.
For LA Fitness, the majority of their Signature Clubs or larger facilities are equipped with both a sauna and a steam room. Similarly, 24 Hour Fitness typically includes a sauna in their larger “Super Sport” or “Ultra Sport” locations, often alongside a pool and hot tub. The presence of a pool is frequently a good indicator that a sauna is also available at these mid-tier chains. Gold’s Gym also frequently features saunas, but availability depends heavily on the location’s age and size, requiring verification.
Lower-cost national chains generally exclude saunas to maintain affordable pricing and low overhead. For example, Planet Fitness, despite offering a premium Black Card membership, does not typically include a traditional sauna or steam room. Instead, the Black Card amenity package focuses on alternative heat and recovery options, such as HydroMassage beds, tanning, and Total Body Enhancement units.
How to Confirm Sauna Availability at Specific Locations
Because amenities can vary dramatically even between clubs of the same national brand, direct verification is necessary before committing to a membership. The most efficient method is to use the chain’s official website and look up the specific local branch. Most national gym locators allow filtering by amenity or list the available features directly on the club’s web page.
If the website lacks clear information, calling the local branch directly is the most reliable way to confirm the amenity’s current status and working order. Asking for a facility tour allows a potential member to visually inspect the locker room and sauna area before joining. This also helps confirm the type of sauna, such as a traditional dry sauna versus an infrared unit.
While national chains are the primary focus, saunas are also often found in high-end, non-chain local health clubs and fitness centers. Additionally, many YMCA facilities, particularly those with older or larger campuses, maintain saunas and steam rooms as part of their community-focused wellness offerings.
Membership Levels and Access Restrictions
Access to premium recovery amenities like saunas is tied to a tiered membership structure. Most national chains offer a basic membership that provides access only to core fitness equipment, such as cardio machines and weight areas. This basic tier typically excludes any recovery amenities.
To gain access to the sauna, steam room, and often the pool, members must upgrade to a premium or “all-access” membership level. This higher tier comes with an increase in the monthly or annual fee. Some premium memberships may restrict the use of these amenities to the member’s “home club” or a specific geographic region. If multi-club access is a priority, potential members should confirm that the premium amenities are accessible at all desired locations.